Michael Graham is a lecturer in sport and exercise department in the school of health and life science. After completion of his MSc in Sport and Exercise Science in 2008 he went on to work as a health improvement specialist within the community.

In June 2010 he returned to work for Teesside University as a senior sport and exercise technician (supporting student and staff research projects). This position saw Michael work with a number of elite athletes and para-athletes including Richard Kielty, Jade Jones (T54 wheelchair athlete), International rugby union referees, and the GB bouldering team.

Michael completed his PhD in July 2020, titled: "Is the school playground a suitable environment to enhance fundamental movement skills and promote a higher level of physical activity in primary school children? An ecological investigation to inform the development of a primary school playground intervention". Michael is an Associate Fellow of the Higher Education Academy and teaches on exercise and health related modules across the sport science undergraduate and post graduate degree programmes.

• Fundamental movement skill interventions in children
• Physical Literacy and academic achievement
• School and workplace physical activity
• Obesogenic environment